The Professional Development Workshop on Library and Information Services (PDWL) and Faculty Development Programme (FDP) 2026 Pre-Departure Workshop was conducted to prepare participants for their upcoming international professional learning experiences. The session provided practical guidance on visa processes, presentation development and reflective practice, helping participants prepare for the academic and professional aspects of their programmes.

The workshop encouraged participants to reflect on their professional journeys, identify their learning goals and consider how they could apply their experiences within their respective fields. For PDWL participants, the focus was on strengthening learning and professional practice in Library and Information Science, while FDP participants were encouraged to consider the relevance of their learning to their respective academic disciplines.

The session also supported participants in building confidence, digital skills and communication skills needed to participate effectively in international professional settings. Opportunities for interaction and collaboration among participants helped create a supportive learning environment and encouraged the exchange of ideas across different professional and geographical contexts.

By providing practical preparation and guidance, the workshop supported participants in accessing and engaging meaningfully with international learning opportunities. It also strengthened their readiness to share knowledge, build professional connections and apply new perspectives within their workplaces and fields of practice.

The initiative contributes to quality education and professional development by supporting lifelong learning, strengthening relevant skills and promoting broader access to international learning experiences. The collaborative nature of the programme also highlights the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities for professional capacity development.

The initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities, 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals.